Multicircuit timing switch



c. L. ANDERSON 2,175,864

MULTICIRCUIT TIMING SWITCH Oct. 10, 1939.

Original Filed June 1, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Hal @ bvsumrmc:

FEM/NA 1. BL ocK msumn fuz m4 517 a2 4 I36 :ggfi-JkLG msuumou 82 I36 weChm. LAvauiuo/v BY p I ATTORNEY.

Oct. 10, 1939. v c. 1.. ANDERSON 2,175,864

MULTIGIRCUIT TIMING SWITCH Original Filed June 1935 I5 Sheets-Sheet 2lNSULATION ZNVENTOR. 5 009:. L. Animswv' z BY ATTORNEY.

Oct. 10, 1939. c. L. ANDERSON MULTICIRCUIT TIMING SWITCH Original FiledJune 1, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 206 ZIO M m u m 6 5. W ATTORNEY.

Patented Oct. 10. 1939 PATENT OFFICE 2,175,864 MULTICIRCUIT 'rnunscswrrcn Oar] Ludwig Anderson, Moline, 111., assignor to Eagle Signal(hrporation, Moline, 111., a corporation of Massachusetts ApplicationJune 1, 1935, Serial No. 24,489 Renewed August 9, 1939 25 Claim.

This invention relates to multi-circuit timing switches, and moreparticularly to switches embodying facilities for opening or closing aplurality of circuit controllers in a preadjusted timed sequence whichmay be conveniently and quickly revised.

Muiti-circuit timing switches heretofore available for services such asthose just referred to have embodied features intricate and complicatedin character and have been found to be of insuillcient reliability as toaccuracy of timing, un-- wieldy as to adjustment or setting, as well asundesirable in respects of design, bulkiness and genll cle, starting thetime cycle by closing a control switch and resetting the timer when theswitch opens, or starting the time cycle by opening the control switchand resetting the timer when the switch is closed. 80 Another object isto provide such a switch in which electromagnetically controlled meansmay be utilized, at any desired stage of the operating cycle, forcausing return to a predetermined cycle starting point of the variousparts of said as switch as well as of the current paths governedthereby.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the foregoing objects andothers ancillary thereto are accomplished as follows:

40 A motor, acting through a train of gears, a clutch and a gearraclaefl'ects movement of a plate in'a direction opposite to that urgedby a spring bias associated with said plate.

A plurality of adjustable arms each having a 4; projection for engagingsaid plate but which assume, according to their preadjusted positions,a.

non-engaging relation withsaid plate'as it is driven by said motor. Acontact member is associated with each of said adjustable arms to 60open or close its respectively controlled circuit when the plate hasmoved to permit the arm to assume its non-engaging relationship withsaid plate.

Electromagnetically operable mechanism is it provided for lifting theprojection of said adjustable arms free from said plate and, a... thesame time, opening said clutch so as topermit said plate to return to anormal home" or reset" position responsive to urge of its spring bias.

Additional parts maybe provided as desired 5 to eilect actuation ofcontacts responsive to-such return movement of said plate and, stillother parts may be provided to permit exceedingly accurate adjustment ofsaid adjustable arms, whereby said contacts will be actuated atprecisely the desired time.

In the accompanying drawings, like parts are designated by the samereference characters throughout the several views in which Figure l is aplan view of a multi-circuit timing switch embodying this invention,showing circuit controllers and associated adjusting means for twocurrent paths and provision for two additional pairs of circuitcontrollers and their respective adjusting means; a

Fig. 2 is a distorted isometric view of the mechanism of theswitch ofFig. 1, in which, for the sake of clarity, the various elements areshown displaced axially much further than is necessary in a physicalembodiment;

Figs. 3 and 4 are fragmentary plan views of the gear train clutchmechanism of Fig. 2;

Figs. 5 to 13, inclusive, are fragmentary views of various embodimentsand functional stages of the circuit controlling mechanisms of Figs. 1and 2; and

Figs. 14 and 15 are diagrammatic representations of certain circuitcontroller arrangements and electrical connections therefor.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the motor M comprises a stator having a coilfor driving the rotor disc 32, which disc, in turn, drives the pinion34.

The crown gear 36, acting through the pinion it, drives the gear 40. Thepinion l2, acting through the gear 44, pinion 48 and gear 48, drives thewide pinion ill.

The gears 52, 52 are journaled upon the shaft 54 for rotationindependently thereof, and for movement axially thereon (see also Figs.3 and 4). The pinion 56 is carried by the shaft 54 and is situatedbetween the gears 52, 52. The discs 58, 58 are in fixed relation -,withthe pinion 56, and are situated in close proximity to the ad- .jacentfaces of the gears 52, 52;

The grooved hubs 60, 60 are associated with the gears 52, 52,respectively, for causing axial movement of said gears relatively to thediscs 58, 68. The springs 62, 62 are so applied to said hubs as to urgemovement thereof to carry the gears 52, 52 into frictional engagementwith said discs.

The gears i0 and it are fixed upon the shaft I4; said gear i0 meshingwith the pinion 56, and said gears I0 and I2 meshing with the racks iiiand 18, respectively. a

A spring 86 is so applied to shaft l4 as to ten to rotate same clockwiseand thereby to move the racks l6 and 18 from left to right; thedirection of rotation imparted to the rotor disc 32 by excitation of thestator coil 3!) being such as to rotate gears I0 and 12counterclockwise, and thereby move the racks I6 and it from right toleft.

A reciprocating plate 82 slides freely in the ways 84, 84 (best shown inFig. 1); the racks l6 and I8 being fixed upon the under surface of saidplate. The ways 84, 84 are so positioned and the racks I6 and I8 are ofsuch length that said racks will be maintained in mesh with the gears I0and 12 throughout intended movement of said plate 62.

Said plate 82 presents a discontinuous surface having a length extendingfrom one to the other of the ways 84, 84, and a width which terminatesabruptly at the edge 86 and extends substantially parallel with its pathof movement a distance preferably approximating or somewhat exceedingits intended range of movement.

Circuit controlling mechanism C comprises pairs of contacts for adesired number of current paths, each of which contacts is functionallyassociated with the plate 82. As an example of such controllingmechanism, the contacts I02, I04 are shown in Fig. 2, which contacts arebiased by gravity toward circuit closing and circuit opening positions,respectively; which gravity bias should preferably be supplemented, asby the spring I06 shown in association with contact I04. I

As shown, each contact is journaled upon a bar or shaft I08 and carriesa downwardly projecting actuating strap IIO upon which is mounted aninsulating block II2. This block, in turn, has secured thereto a contactof the desired/form, such as I02 or I04.

In actuating relationship with each contact, an arm II4 extends in thepath of the strap IIO. Each of said arms is arranged for attachment ofone end thereof to a hinge-like support and extends from such endsubstantially parallel with the path of the movement of said plate 82. Aprojection I I6 is carried by each arm for support by engaging the uppersurface of the plate 82; such projections being suitably spacedintermediate the ends of said arms and at a distance from the free endsthereof somewhat in excess of lengthwise movement which may be impartedto said arms as and for a purpose which will be hereinafter more fullyexplained.

Setting means S ,isprovided for establishing timed relationship betweenfunctional actuation of the contacts C and movement of the plate 82; aseparate and independently adjustable setting device being provided forrespective ones of said contacts.

'In the interests of clearness of disclosure of other features, Fig. 2'shows only parts of that setting device which is associated with contactI 04. It will be there seen that the right-hand end of the arm I I4 ishinged in a slot at the lower end of the post I I8, such post carrying'athreaded extension (not shown) which projects through a slot I20 in theindex plate I22. Post II6 may be clamped, in various set positions,bymeans arr/aces of the thumb nut I24 and the friction block I26.

As best shown in Fig. 1, each block. I26 carries a reference marl;associated with a dial strip I28 marked with divisions representative ofthe time required for the indicated movement of the plate 62 by themotor M.

The plate I22 is disposed substantially parallel to the path of movementof the plate 82 and the slots I20 are so formed in said plate I22 thatmovement of any post II8 along its associated slot will effectcorresponding lengthwise movement of the associated arm H4.

The upper or contact actuating surface I32 of each arm H4 is so formedthat movement of any of said arms lengthwise thereof, as by sliding itspost H6 along its slot I20, will not affect the positioning of itsassociated contact so long as the elevation of the free end of the armremains unchanged.

A shaft I34 extends across and below the paths of the arms II4 betweentheir projections H6 and the free ends of said arms. Said shaft I34carries raised portions I36 for cooperation with the under surfaces I38of the arms II4. As indicated in Fig. 2, such raised portions may beassociated with the shaft I34 by fixing thereon sleeve members I40 whichare cut away in the path of associated arm H4, H4, for a portion oftheir circumference, as at I42.

Thus, when the shaft I34 is in one position, the associated arm I I4will be permitted to swing on its hinge mounting in the post II8 so asto bring its projection II6 into the path of (and therefore into whatmay be termed obstructing relationship with) the plate 82; permittingmovement of its associated contactto its nonactuated position,Correspondingly, when said shaft I 34 is rotated so as to bring raisedportion I36 into engagement with the associated arm I I4,

. such arm will be lifted, thereby carrying the projection II6 above thepath and into what may be termed non-obstructing relationship with theplate 82; causing the associated contact to move, to its actuatedposition against its bias resultant from gravity and/or the spring I06.

The under surface I38, of each of the arms H4 is substantially parallelwith its contact actuating surface I32, so that, during support of anyof the arms II4, either by the shaft I34 or by a raised portion I36carried thereby, lengthwise movement of said arm due to shifting of itsassociated post II8 along its slot I 20 will not cause functionallysignificant movement of its associated contact.

A guide plate I44 is mounted adjacent to the shaft I34 and has a series-of slots I46, I46, etc.,

formed therein for guiding the arms H4 and maintaining same in alignmentwith the cuts 2 thereto for swinging said arm in the opposite .di-

rection.

The gears I10, I12 are fixed upon theshafts I66 and I34, respectively,for transmitting to said shaft I34 such movements as may be imparted tosaid shaft I66 bythe link I 60 and bythe spring I68.

, to excitation of the coil I56; Said arm is fixed upon the shaft I66and has the spring I68 applied Anend cam I'll lsiixedupon the shaft Illand has axially effective cam faces I'll, I'll at respective endsthereof, as best shown in Figs; 2, 3 and 4.

Clutch bars 1.,1'" may-be carried by ton ue and grooved supports Ill asindicated in Fig. 2, or by trunnion supports Ill as indicated in Figs. 3and l. a

Each of said bars has, atone end thereof, an upwardly extending slottedarm Ill, situated within the groove of a respective one of the hubs ll,ll and having, at the other end thereof, an upstanding arm Ill, the freeend ofwhich is bent over for functional engagement with a respective oneof the cam faces I'll of the cam I'll.

From the foregoing it will be evident that when the shaft Ill is movedto a certain position (as, for example, the position which it assumesduring effective energization of the coil I56) the bars I'll will be somoved by the projecting portions of the cam faces I'll, I'll that thegears 52, ilwill be moved out of frictionally driving engagement withthe discs ll, ll.

correspondingly, when said shaft Ill is moved to another position (as,for example, the position 2' to which it is moved by-the spring Illduring deenergization of the coil Ill), the projecting portions of thecam faces I'll, I'll will be withdrawn from the paths of the bent overends of the arms Ill, thus permitting the springs l2, l2, acting throughthe hubs ll, ll, to move the gears l2, 82 into frictionally drivingengagement with the discs ll, ll. 7

For certain classes of service, as will be hereinafter more fullyexplained, the cam I'll should be so positioned on the shaft Ill as todisengage the gears 52, 52 from the discs ll, ll during deenergizationof the coil Ill, while permitting termination of such disengagementduring energization of said coil.

In any event, the gears I'll, I'll should so connect the shafts Ill,Ill, and/or the cam I'll should be so ilxed on shaft Ill relative tosaid gears, that whenever the cam Ill is positioned for causingdisengagement of the clutch gears 52, 52 the raised portions Ill will bepositioned by the shaft Ill to cause the arms I to withdraw theirprojections I ll from the path of. the plate l2.

Contacts, similar to the contacts Ill, Ill, may be mounted upon any pairof the insulating blocks III in relationship for accomplishing any oneof several functional cycles. For example, such contacts may be soassembled that, when their associated arms I, Ill are supported eitherby the shaft Ill (see Figs. 5 and 12) or by the plate 82 (see mg. 8),they will be separated.

With such an assembly. ,a normal setting of the arms Ill, IIl associatedwith said contacts would be such that, during the movement of the platel! by the motor M, said plate will be withdrawn from support of theprojection Ill associated with the closing biased contact ll! before itis withdrawn from the path of the projection Ill associated with theopening biased contact Ill. With this setting, said contacts will beclosed only during the time occupied by the movemerit of the plate I!from the podtion where it is withdrawn from the first named projectionHi to the position where it is withdrawn from the last named projectionIll (see Fig. 'l) Should it be desired to prevent closure of a paircontacts, incidental to functional cycle of the mechanism, while leavingother pairs of tacts "nditioned for eifective opening and adjustmentof-the arms m, m aswithdrawn from the path of the projection I llassociated with the closing biased contact Ill.

with this setting, the contacts will remain open, as indicated in Fig.8, throughout the movement of the plate II from the pointwhere it iswithdrawn-from the path of the projection III associated with theopening biased contact Ill to the point where it is withdrawn from thepath of the projection Ill associated with the closing biased contactIll. In other words, such contacts would not close at anytime during thecycle.

Instead of employing a contact assembly as just described, similarcontacts may be so assembled that, when their associated arms ill, I aresupported either by the shaft Ill (see Figs. 5* and 12') or by the platel2 (see Fig. 6), such contacts will be closed.

With such an assembly, a normal setting adjustment of said arms ill, Iis as indicated in Fig. 8, wherein said contacts will be openedonly'during the time occupied by the movement of the plate 82 from theposition where it is withdrawn from the path .of the projection Illassociated withthe opening biased contact Ill to the position where itiswithdrawn from the path of the projection Ill associated with theclosing biased contact I02.

Contacts so arranged may be correspondingly caused to remain closedthroughout the operative cycle by reversing the relationship of theprojections Ill, Ill, so that, as indicated in Fig. '7, the projectionIll associated with the closing biased'contact II! -will have thesupport of the plate 82 withdrawn therefrom at all times when thesupport of said plate is withdrawn from the projection Ill associatedwith the opening biased contact Ill.

If it is desired that any pair of contacts shall be actuated by theplate 8! whenever 'said plate assumes its' reset position, a piece suchas the finger Ill, shown in Fig. 13, may be applied to a desired one ofthe insulating blocks H2. Said linger Ill is shown so applied to theblock II2 Operation of, mechanism of Fig. 2

In Fig. 2, the various parts are shown as positioned pursuant to acertain setting of the means 8, the plate 82 being shown somewhatremoved from its "reset positionand the coil Ill assumed to bedeenergized.

As a result of the deenergization of coil Ill, the cam 'I'll is sopositioned as to permit the springs l2, H to act through the hubs ll, llto move the gears 52, 52 into engagement with the discs ll, 58; and theshaft Ill is so positioned that its raised portions I36 are withdrawnfrom the path 'of their respectively associated arms IIl. Inasmuch asthe plate 82 is positioned'as indicated, its support is 'withdrawn fromthe arm I associated with the closing biased contact Ill, while saidplate continues to support the arm Ill associated with the openingbiased contactv I04. The current path between contacts I02 and B04 .istherefore closed.

If, now, the stator coil 30 of motor M is energized, said motor will actthrough the train of gearing to move the edge 86 of said plate 82 awayfrom the projection II8 of the arm H4 associated with the closing biasedcontact I02 and toward the corresponding projection associated with theopening biased contact I04.

When, in the course of such movement, said edge 86 is withdrawn from thepath of said second named projection Ii 6, the contact I04 will be movedby gravity (supplemented by its spring I06) away from the contact I02;further downward movement of contact I02 being restrained by, theco-engaging arm II4 which then rests upon the shaft I34.

Thereafter, energization of coil I56 will cause such rotation of theshafts I66 and I34, as herelnbefore more fully explained, as will causethe arms II4 to be lifted by the raised portions I36 moving with theshaft I34, and will cause the gears 52, 52 to be moved away fromthediscs 58, 58 through the engagement of the projecting portions of thecam faces I16, 116 of the cam I14 with the bars I18, I18. As a result;the spring 80 will rotate the shaft '14 and thereby cause the gears 10,12, acting through the racks 16, 18 to move the plate 82 to its resetposition, thus bringing the surface of said plate under the projectionsH6, H6 of the arms H4, II4.

At the time of the commencement of such rotation of the shaft I34, bothof said arms H4, II 4 were supported by said shaft, and the contactsI02, I04 were in open circuit relationship; hence, the simultaneouslifting of said conta'bts responsive to the rotation of said shaft willmaintain them in disengaged relationship.

Upon deenergization of the coil I56, the raised portions I36, I36 movingwith the shaft I34 will be withdrawn from the arms I I4, I I4 and saidarms will move a short distance toward the-surface of the plate 82,whereupon the projections H6, H6 will rest upon said plate, therebymaintaining the contacts I02, I04 in open circuit relationship..-

Such deenergization of the coil I56 will also result in the rotation ofcam I14 by the spring I68 so as to withdraw the projecting portions .ofthe cam faces I16, I16 from the bars I18,

I18. Such withdrawal permits said bars to rock with. the axial movementof the hubs 60, 60 resulting from the urge of the springs 62, 62, andthe gears 52, 52 are thus carried into en; gagement with the discs 58,58. Thereafter the motor M will move the plate 82 away from its resetposition at such speed as is established by the running of said motor,acting through the train of gearing hereinbefore described.

During the ensuing movement-of said plate 82 from its resetposition, theedge 86 of said plate 'will be withdrawn from the projection II6associated with the closing biased contact I02, whereupon said contactwill move to closed relationship with contact I04. Suchrelationship-will thereafter continueuntil said edge86 is withdrawn fromthe path of the projection II6 associated withthe opening biased contactI04, as

-hereinbefore just described.

From the foregoing'it will be evident that the time of establishment ofclosed circuit conditioning between the contacts I02 and I04 may beestablished with relation to the movement of said plate 82 by moving thesetting means post lllassociated with contact I02 (see Fig. 1) to suchposition that the index line marked upon its friction block I26registers with the desired time symbol on its associated dial strip I28.

Correspondingly, the time of open circuit conditioning of said contacts,with relation to the movement of said plate 82, may be established bythe setting of the friction block I26 associated withthe opening biasedcontact I04.

In conditioning a timing switch such as that shown for a largeproportion of the uses to which it is suited, it will be understood thatthe energization of the coil I56 may be controlled by one or more pairsof the circuit controller contacts to the end that, when the plate 82has been moved arequired distance, the energization of the the coil I56as would permit the plate 82 to move to its reset position.

Furthermore, for meeting various service conditions, the relativepositionings of the slotted arm I 64, the cam I 14, and the raisedportions I36 moving with the shaft I34 may be so varied that the geartrain clutch will be opened and the arms II #3, H4 will be raised eitherresponsive to energization or to deenergization of the coil I56, as

may be desired.

Electrical, connections and operation For convenience in representation,Figs. 14 and 15 diagrammatically represent illustrative examples ofconnections which may be established between various parts of the relaymechanism shown in Figs. 1 to 13, inclusive. In these views, a series ofcams are used to indicate the relationship exemplified by plate 82 andarms II4, with their fingers II6. These cams are shown as cooperatingwiih associated contacts for effecting positionings thereof. In thesefigures, the bar actuated by spring I68 represents shaft I34, and theprojections on the bar represent the projections I36 on sleeves I40. Thespring 80 represents spring 80 of Fig. 2. Since the coactingrelationships of the various parts have been previously described, thefollowing explanation will, for purposes of clarity in understanding,refer only to the functioning of the chief elements.

to switch 208 and from switch 208 through conductor 2" to the otherside, 202, of the power source. The motor M (coil 30) is directlyconnected to one side, 202, of the power source, and to the other side,200, of the power source through conductor 2I2, contact b, and switch.204.

Contact b represents one pair of contacts I82.

I88 and is for energizing the timer motor during the timing cycle. It isarranged to be positioned as illustrated in Figs. 5, 7, and 12. Theadjusting means S for the arm Ill for the closing biased contact memberis set so its reference mark on block I28 is at the O calibration on thedial strip I28. This will cause the contact b to close, as in Fig. 7,when the raised portions I36 are withdrawn from their actuating relationwith surfaces I38, even though the plate 82 is in its home or resetposition, since the ways 88 are arranged to stop plate 82 in its resetposition so that its edge 86 is slightly removed from the projection II6when the adjusting means associated with the arm I I4 is set at zero.The arm I I4 may thus assume its unobstructed relationship and contactmember I82 may assume its biased position. The adjusting means S,associated with arm Ill for the opening biased contact member, is set soits reference mark on block I26 is at the calibration on the dial stripI28 corresponding to the maximum duration of the timing cycle desired.It will be assumed for this explanation that contact d is arranged asshown at C in Fig. 2 and as illustrated in Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 13. It isevident that this contact or any of the other contacts for controllingan external circuit maybe arranged to operate in any one of the severalways described heretofore.

The normal condition of the timer is in its timed out" position with theplate 82 driven backward against the bias of spring 88 and with contact11 open, deenergizing the motor. The static friction of the gearsandshafts is large enough to maintain the plate in this position eventhough the motor is not energized.

I I6 on arms I I4 to assume their non-obstructing position in respect tothe platg 82, also causing the release of the frictionaldrivingengagement between the gears 52 and the discs 58 and also causingcontact b to assume the open circuit relationship, illustrated in Fig.12. The plate 82 is then restored to its reset position by spring 88.

The opening of switch 288, deenergizing coil I58, initiates the timingcycle. The faces of gears 52 and discs 58 are thus restored to-frictional driving engagement. 'I'he raised portions I86 are now removedfrom the surface I38 of 'arms I, as illustrated in Fig. 6. Contact bcloses, 'as illustrated in Fig. '7, because of its setting which hasbeen hereinbefore described. The motor coil 38, being energized throughthe' closed contact b, drives the plate 82 away from its reset positionagainst the bias of the spring".

During the ensuing movement of said plate 82, the edge 86 of said platewill be withdrawn from beneath the projection II6 associated with theclosing biased contact I82 of d, whereupon said contact will move toclosed relationship with contact I88. Such relationship will thereaftercon tinue until said edge 86 is withdrawn from the path'of theprojection II6 associated with the opening biased contact I88.

From the foregoing it will be evident that the time of establishment ofclosed circuit conditioning between contacts I82 and-I84 may beestablished with relation to the movement of said plate 82 by moving thesetting means post II8 associated with contact I82 to such position thatthe index line marked upon its friction block L26 reg- I isters with thedesired time symbol on its associated dial strip I28. correspondingly,the time of open circuit conditioning of said contacts, with relation tothe movement of said plate 82, may be established by the setting of thefriction block I26 associated with the opening biased-contact I88.

Further movement of the plate 82 withdraws the edge 86 from the path ofthe projection II8 on the opening biased contact member of b and permitsit to assume its biased position. The motor stops through the opening ofthe b switch. The timer is now in its normal or timed out condition andanother cycle of operation may be repeated by again closing and openingswitch 288.

If it is desired to reset the timer during the timing period and thusextend the timing interval, switch 288 may be closed momentarily andplate 82 will instantly return to its reset position.

Fig. 15 illustrates diagrammatically the positioning of the parts sothat the timing interval occurs while the coil I56 is energized. SpringI68 is positioned to lift the contact members to their non-obstructingrelation with the plate 82 as well as releasing the frictional drivingengagement between gears 52 and discs 58 when the coil I56 isdeenergized. A momentary closure of the switch 288 starts the timingcycle by energizing the coil I56 which remains energized by a holdingcircuit through .contact b. When contact b opens at the end of thecycle, the coil I56 becomes deenergized and the timer immediatelyresets. Power failure or a. momentary opening of a control circuit(illustrated' by switch 2) during the time cycle will cause the timersto reset before the cycle is completed.

In the foregoing, I have described the functioning of one type ofcontact assembly associated with the relay mechanism in two differentoperating arrangements. It will be understood that various otherfunctionings may be produced by other settings of the adjustment means Sor by using other contact assemblies with any one of those described orother arrangements of the relay mechanism, but a detailed descriptionthereof has been cancelled upon request by the Examiner. The variouscontact assemblies are illustrated in Figs. 5 to 13, inclusive, intheirvarious position relationships.

It will of course be understood that the specific description ofstructure and operation set forth 'above may be departed from withoutdeparting from the spirit of this invention as set forth in thisspecification and the appended claims.

Having now described my invention, I claim: 1. In a timing switch,pairsof circuit controlling contacts for a plurality of current paths,

oneof the contacts of each pair biased for movement toward circuitclosing position and the other contact of each pair biased for movementtoward circuit opening position; a reciprocating plate having anabruptly terminating surface extending substantially parallel .with itspath of movement; electromagnetic controlling mechanism; arms associatedin actuating relationship with the respective ones of said contacts, inoperable relationship' with said mechanism and in retainablerelationship with said plate, each of said arms so formed and supportedthat it may assume obstructing relationship with movement of said platewhile permitting bias urged positioning of its associated coxvtact andmay be moved by said controlling mechanism to non-obstructingrelationship with said plate, causing its associated contact to assumean actuated position against its bias, said plate being so formedandhaving such a path of movement with relation to said arms that it will,when its surface is positioned in certain relationships with said arms,cause them to retain their respectively associated contacts in saidactuated position, each arm having setting means associated therewithfor establishing various relationships between such arm and said platewhereby actuated positioning of the associated contact will bemaintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movementof said plate; a motor driven gear train for moving said plate in onedirection, said train operatively connected to said plate through a rackand pinion and including a clutch releasable to permit movement of saidplate and a portion of said train independently of the remainder of saidtrain; spring means urging movement of said train portion to causemovement of said plate in the opposite direction;

and means responsive to said controlling mechanism for releasing saidclutch.

2. In a timing switch-pairs of circuit controlling contacts for aplurality of current paths, one of the contacts of each pair biased formovement toward circuit closing position and the other contact of eachpair biased for movement toward circuit opening position; areciprocating, plate having a surface extending substantially parallelwith its path of movement; electromagnetic controlling mechanism; armsassociated in actuating relationship with the respective ones of saidcontacts, in operable relationship with said mechanism and in retainablerelationship with said plate, each of said arms so formed and supportedthat it may assume obstructing relationship with movement of said platewhile permitting bias urged positioning of its associated contact andmay be moved by said controlling mechanism to non-obstructingrelationship with said plate, causing its associated contact to assumean actuated position against its bias, said plate being so formed andhaving such a path of movement with relation to said arms that it will,when its surface is positioned in certain relationships with said arms,cause them to retain their respectively associated contacts in saidactuated position, each arm having setting means associated therewithfor establishing various relationships between such arm and said platewhereby actuated positioning of the associated contact will bemaintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movementof said plate; a motor driven'gear train for moving said plate in onedirection, said train operatively connected to said plate and includinga clutch releasable to permit movement of said plate and a portion ofsaid train independently of the remainder of said train; spring meansurging movement of said train portion to cause movement of said plate inthe opposite direction; and means responsive to said controllingmechanism for releasing said clutch.

3. In a timing switch,pairs of circuit controlling contacts foraplurality of current paths,

one of the contacts of each pair biased for movement toward circuitclosing position and the other contact of each pair biased for movementtoward circuit opening position; a reciprocating )plate biased formovement in one direction; electromagnetic controlling mechanism; armsassociated in actuating relationship with the respective ones of saidcontacts, in operable relationship with said mechanism and inretainable. relationship with said plate, each of said arms so formedand supported that it may assume obstructing relationship with movementof said plate responsive to its bias while permitting bias urgedpositioning of its associated contact and may be moved by saidcontrolling mechanism to nonobstructing relationship with said plate,causing its associated contact'to assume an actuated position againstits bias, said plate being so formed and having such a path of movementwith relation to said arms that positioning of said plate in certainrelationships with said arms will cause them to retain theirrespectively associated contacts in said actuated position, each armhaving setting means associated therewith for establishing variousrelationships between such arm and said plate wherebyactuatedpositioning of the associated contact will be maintainedthroughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movement of saidplate; a motor driven gear train for moving said plate against its saidbias and involving a clutch releasable to permit movement of said plateindependent of said train; and means responsive to said controllingmechanism for releasing said clutch.

4. In a timing switch,-pairs of circuit controlling contacts for aplurality of current paths, one of the contacts of each pair biased formovement toward circuit closing position and the other contact of eachpair biased for movement toward circuit opening position; areciprocating plate biased for movement in one direction;electromagnetic controlling mechanism; arms associated in actuatingrelationship with the respective ones of said contacts, in operablerelationship with said mechanism and in retainable relationship withsaid plate, each of said arms so formed and supported that it may assumeobstructing relationship with movement of said plate responsive to itsbias while permitting bias urged positioning of its associated contactand may be moved by said controlling mechanism to non-obstructingrelationship with said plate, causing its associated contact to assumean actuated position against its bias, said plate being so formed andhaving such a path of movement with relation to said armsithatpositioning of said plate in certain relationships with said arms willcause them to retain their respectively associated contacts in saidactuated position, each arm having setting means associated therewithfor establishing various relationships between such arm and said platewhereby actuated positioning of the associated contact will bemaintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movementof said plate; a motor driven gear train for moving said plate againstits said bias and involving a clutch releasable to permit movementv ofsaid plate responsive to its said bias; and means responsive to saidcontrolling mechanism for releasing said clutch.

5. In a timing switch,a circuit controlling contact biased for movementtoward a predetermined position; a. reciprocating plate biased formovement in one direction; controlling mechanism; an arm associated inactuating relationship with said contact, in operable relationship withsaid mechanism and in retainable relationship with said plate, said armso formed and supported that it may assume obstructing relationship withmovement of said plate responsive said arm will cause said arm to retainsaid contact in said actuated position, said arm having setting meansassociated therewith for establishing various relationships between saidarm and said plate whereby actuated positioning of said contact will, bemaintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movementof said plate; a motor driven gear train for moving said plate againstits said bias and involving a clutch releasable to permit movement ofsaid plate responsive to its said bias; and means responsive to saidcontrolling mechanism for releasing said clutch.

6. In a timing switch,a circuit controlling contact biased for movementtoward a predetermined position; a reciprocating plate biased formovement in one direction; controlling mechanism; an arm associatedin/actuating relationship with said contact, in operable relationshipwith said mechanism and in retainable relationship with said plate, saidarm so formed and supported that it may assume obstructing relationshipwith movement of said plate responsive to its bias while permitting biasurged positioning of said contact and may be moved by said. controllingmechanism to non-obstructing relationship with said plate, causing saidcontact to assume an actuated position against its bias, said platebeing so formed and having such, a path of movement with relation tosaid arm that positioning of said plate in a. certain relationship withsaid arm will cause said arm to retain said contact in said actuatedposition, said arm having setting means associated therewith forestablishing various relationships between said arm and said platewhereby actuated positioning of said contact will be maintainedthroughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movement of saidplate; and a motor driven gear train for moving said plate against itssaid bias and involving a clutch releasable to permit movement of saidplate responsive to its said bias.

7. In a timing switch,pairs of circuit controlling contacts for apluralityof current paths, one of the contacts of each pair biased formovement toward circuit closing position and the other contact of eachpair biased for movement toward circuit opening position; a movable partbiased for motion in one direction in a path parallel with adiscontinuous surface thereof; controlling mechanism; arms associated inactuating relationship with the respective ones of said contacts,inoperable relationship with said mechanism and in retainablerelationship with said part, each of said arms so formed and sup- 1ported that it may assume obstructing relationship with bias urgedmovement of said part while permitting bias urged positioning of itsassociated contact and may be moved by said controlling mechanism tonon-obstructing relationship with said part, causing its associatedcontact to.assume an actuated position against its clutch releasable topermit movement of said part responsive to its said bias.

8. In a timing switch,a-circuit controlling contact biased for movementtoward a predetermined position; a movable part biased for motion in onedirection in a path parallel with a dis:- continuous surface thereof;controlling mechanism; an arm associated in actuating relationshipwithsaid contact, in operable relationship with said mechanism-and inretainable relationship with said part, said arm so formed and supportedthat it may assume obstructing relationship with movement of said partresponsive to its bias while permitting bias urged positioning of saidcontact and may be moved by said controlling mechanism tonon-obstructing relationship with said part, causing said contact toassume an actuated position against its bias, said 4 part being soformed and having such a path of movement with relation to said arm thatpositioning of said part in a certain relationship with said arm willcause said arm to retain said contact in said actuated position, saidarm having setting means associated therewith for establishing variousrelationships between said am and said part whereby actuated positioningof said contact will be maintained throughout correspondingly diverseportions of the movement of said part; a motor driven gear train formoving said part against its said bias and involving a clutch releasableto permit movement of said part responsive to its said bias; and meansresponsive to said controlling mechanism for releasing said clutch.

9. In a timing switch,-- a circuit controlling contact biased formovement toward a predetermined position; a movable part biased formotion in one direction in a path parallel with a discontinuous surfacethereof; controlling mechanism; an arm associated in actuatingrelationwith said mechanism and in retainable relationship with saidpart, said arm so formed and supported that it may assume obstructingrelationship with movement of said part responsive to its bias whilepermitting bias urged positioning of said contact and may be moved bysaid controlling mechanism to non-obstructing relation-v ship with saidpart, causing said contact to assume an actuated position against itsbias, said part being so formed and having such a path of movement withrelation to said arm that positioning of said part in a certainrelationship with said arm will cause said arm to retain saidcontact insaid actuated position, said arm having setting means associatedtherewith for establishing various relationships between said arm andsaid part whereby actuated positioning of said contact will bemaintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movementof said part; and a motor driven gear train for moving said part againstits said bias and in volving a clutch releasable to permit movement ofsaid part responsive to its said bias.

10. In a timing switch, the combination of circuit controllers for aplurality of current paths, each controller having independentlyoperable circuit opening and closing members, a motor, actuating meansfor said members comprising an actuator biased for movement in onedirection, means associated with said motor for moving said actuator inthe opposite direction to effect operaship with said contact, inoperable relationship tion oi" said members in a predetermined sequenceduringthe movement of said actuator by the motor, an electromagnet,mechanism controlled by said magnet for simultaneously rendering all ofsaid parts unresponsive to said actuator, and further means responsiveto said electromagnetically controlled mechanism for disassociating saidmotor from said actuator moving means whereby to permit biased movementof said actuator. i

11. In a timing switch, the combination of circuit controllers for aplurality of current paths, each controller having independentlyoperable circuit opening and closing members, a member having actuatingrelationship with said controller and biased for movement in onedirection, motor driven means for moving said actuating member in theopposite direction, said driven means involving clutch mechanism forfreeing said actuating member from the driving efiect of said motor topermit movement thereof responsive to its said bias, and setting devicesfor diversely establishing times of actuation for respective controllersmeasured by movement of said actuating member responsive to said motordriven means.

12. In a timing switch-the combination of circuit controllers for aplurality of current paths, each controller having independentlyoperable circuit opening and closing members, actuating means for saidmembers comprising a motor driven actuator, parts for renderingrespective ones of said members responsive to said actuator, settingdevices for establishing diverse operable relationships of respectiveones of said parts with said actuator, and an electromagneticallycontrolled mechanism for simultaneously holding all of said parts out ofline with the actuator on the return movement thereof.

13. A timing switch comprising a plurality of independently operablecircuit controller members, in combination with actuating means for saidmembers including a motor operated actuator, and setting devices forindependently governing the timing and relative order of actuations ofrespective ones of said members, each of said devices including a partfor rendering its associated member responsive-to operation of saidactuator.

14'. In a timing switch, the combination of circuit controllers for aplurality of current paths, each controller having independentlyoperable circuit opening and closing members, actuating means for saidmembers comprising an actuator, means, including a motor, for eifectingmovement of said ,actuator in opposite directions, parts for renderingrespective ones of said members responsive to positionings of saidactuator, setting devices for independently establishing diverseoperable relationships of respective ones of said parts with saidactuator to render said parts and their controlled members responsive tothe positionings of said actuator during the motor controlled movementthereof in a presettable sequence, mechanism for simultaneouslyrendering all of said parts unresponsive to said actuator, and furthermeans responsive to said mechanism for returning said actuator to thestarting position of its motor controlled movement independently of saidmotor.

15. In a timing switch, the combination of, circuit controllers for aplurality of current paths, actuating means for said circuit controllerscomprising an actuator, means, including timecontrolled mechanism, foreffecting movement of said actuator in one direction at a uniform rateof speed, parts for rendering respective ones of said circuitcontrollers responsive to positionings of said actuator during the timecontrolled move v ment, a plurality of operable means each for operationafter the lapse of a diversely preestablished period of time, meansgovernable by movement of said movable member for controlling theinstant of operation of respective ones of said operable means, saidgovernable means being adjustable to control the operation of saidoperable means in a presettable sequence during the time controlledmovement of said movable member.

17. A circuit timer comprising an electrically operated timing devicefor actuating a driving member, a driven member arranged for operativeengagement with and disengagement from said driving member, a pluralityof switches including a switch for interrupting the circuit of saidtiming device and one or more switches for controlling externalcircuits, means for actuating said switches including a member movablefrom a normal position upon driving of said driven member by saiddriving member, means for returning said movable member to normalposition upon operative disengagement of said driving and drivenmembers, and means for moving and holding said switches in a positionnon-responsive to actuation by said actuating means and for operativelydisengaging said driving and driven members, said actuating meanseffecting opening of said interrupting switch following timed actuationof said circuit switches.

18. A circuit timer comprising an electrically I operated timing devicefor actuating a driving member, a driven member arranged for operativeengagement with and disengagement from said driving member, a pluralityof switches including a switch for interrupting the circuit of saidtiming device and one or more switches for controlling externalcircuits, means for actuating said switches including a member movablefrom a normal position-upon driving of said driven member by saiddriving member, means for returning said movable member to normalposition upon operative disengagement of said driving and drivenmembers, and means for controlling said driving and driven members andsaid switches, movable to either of two positions, in one of which saiddriving anddriven members are in operative engagement and said switchesare in position responsive to saidactuating means and in the other ofwhich said driving and driven members are in operative disengagement andsaid switches are held inposition non-responsive to actuation by saidactuating means, said actuating means effecting opening of saidinterrupting switch following timed actuation of said circuit switches.I

19. A circuit timer comprising an electrically operated timing devicefor actuating a driving member, a driven member arranged for operativeengagement with and disengagement from said driving member, a pluralityof switches including a switch for interrupting the circuit of saidtimmeans to hold said elements members and 6, tioning of said pairscontrolling means to raiity of cooperating pairs ing device and one ormore switches for control ling external circuits, means for actuatingsaid switches movable from a normal position upon driving or said drivenmember by said driving member, spring means for returning said actuatingmeans to normal position upon operative disengagement of said drivingand driven members, means for controlling said driving and driven saidswitches, movable to either of two positions, in one of which saiddriving and driven-members are in operative engagement and said switchesare in position responsive to said actuating means and in the other ofwhich said driving and drivenmembers are in operative disengagement andsaid switches are held in position non-responsive to actuation by saidactuating means, said actuating means electing opening of saidinterrupting switch following timed actuation of said circuit switches,and electromagnetic means for actuatin said controlling means, saidinterrupting switch and said timing device being in series with eachother and in parallel with said electromagnetic means. '20. A switchingmechanism comprising a plurality oi cooperating pairs of switchelements, controlling means to control the circuit conditloning of saidpairs 0! elements and upon actuation of said controlling means to changethe circuit conditioning of at least one of said pairs, holding means tohold said elements ina position non-responsive to said controlling meansand to control the circuit conditioning of said pairs while in suchposition, "a driving means, and common means to initiate controlledactuation of said driving means and to render said holding meansinelective for holding.

, 21. A switching mechanism comprising a plupairs of switch elements,control the circuit condirality oi cooperating controlling means tochange the circuit condisaid pairs, holding in a position nonresponsiveto said controlling means and to control the circuit conditioning ofsaid pairs while in such position, anelectric motor, and common means,electromagnetically operated in at least one direction to initiate motorcontrolled actuation oi said controlling means and to render saidholding means'inelective for holding.

22. A switching mechanism comprising a pluof switch elements,controlling means to con 1 the circuit conditioning of said pairs andupon actuation oi said controlling means to tioning of at least one ofsaid pairs, said controlling means including adiustable means to varythe time from initiation of actuation thereof untionin'g 01 at least oneoi til the actuation elects such change of circuit conditioning, holdingmeans to hold said elements in a position non-responsive to saidcontrolling means and to control the circuit conditioning or saidpairswhile in such position, an electric motor, and common means,electromagneticallyoperatedinonedirectionandspringoperated in theopposite direction, to initiate motor controlled movement oi saidcontrolling means and upon actuating of said change the circuit condiandto render said holding means inelective for holding.

23. A time-controlled switching mechanism comprising a plurality ofcooperating pairs of switch elements, controlling means to control thecircuit conditioning of said pairs and, upon actuation of saidcontrolling means, to change the circuit'conditioning of at least one ofsaid pairs, holding means to hold said elements in a positionnon-responsive to said controlling means and to control the circuitconditioning of said pairs while in such position, a motor, and commonmeans to initiate motor controlled actuation of said controlling-meansand to render said holding means inelective for holding, saidcontrolling means including relatively movable portions, one portionbeing adjustable to vary the time from initiation of actuation of saidcontrolling means until the actuhtion elects the change 01' circuitconditioning and the other portion being driven by said motor andcooperating with the adjustable portion in determining the time ofchange of said circuit conditioning, said driven portion includingspring means ior return of the driven portion to an initial positionfrom which it is driven by said motor.

24. A switching mechanism comprising a plurality of cooperating pairs ofswitch elements,- controlling means to control the conditioning of saidpairs and upon actuation of said controlling means to change the circuitconditioning of said pairs, holding means to hold said elements in aposition non-responsive to said controlling means and to control theconditioning of said pairs while in such position, a motor,'common meansto initiate motor controlled actuationoi said controlling means and torender said holding means inelective for holding, said common meansincluding a solenoid which upon energization renders said common meanselective to produce such results, and a circuit including said solenoidand at least one of said pairs of switch elements for energizing saidsolenoid until change in the circult conditioning of said one of saidpairs elected by said controlling means.

25. A time-controlled switching mechanism comprising a plurality ofcooperating pairs of switch elements, controlling-means to control thecircuit conditioning oi said pairs, and, upon actuation of saidcontrolling means, to change the circuit conditioning of at least one ofsaid pairs,

holding means to hold said elements in a pomtion non-responsive to saidcontrolling means and to control the conditioning of said pairs while insuch position, a motor, common means to initiate motor controlledactuation of said controlling means and to render said holding meansineriective tor holding, said actuation, alter lapse of a predeterminedtime, electing motion or said controlling means whereby said change ofcircuit conditioning is elected, said common means including a solenoidand opposing spring means, and a circuit including said solenoid and atleast one or said pairs of switch elements for maintaining constantcircuit conditioning in said solenoid until said circuit is interrupted.

CARL LUDWIG ANDERSON.

